As the title suggests, I am hoping to transition to frontend development from my current job as a largely backend developer. I've been submitting resumes for around 2 months now (probably around 50-75 total) but haven't gotten so much as a phone screen from any of them. I'm hoping I might be able to get some advice on what I should do/emphasize in my resume/etc.. to get some notice?
What I've done so far:
* Created a resume that highlights the frontend aspects of my current role (we have several web apps that do require some frontend work, and I've been jumping at every frontend task I can)
* Created a portfolio website (which, I of course would love to have someone look at - I'm not exactly a designer but I've made every effect to keep it responsive across different devices and as visually attractive as I can make it. I don't want to post it publicly because I think I may have some coworkers who look on here, but I would be happy to share via DM with anyone who would be willing to offer feedback)
* Have my website on github, with links to both the site and github in my resume
* I've been working on the Google UX design certificate on coursera, but haven't completed it yet.
Another hurdle is that jobs need to be remote for me as I'm not able to drive. With how hot remote work is right now, those jobs are being flooded. So, what can I do to stand out?
To be fair, I don't think it's you :( The industry is in a huge downturn right now, with hundreds of thousands laid off over this year and last. You're competing not just with everybody who normally would want a remote job, but also with thousands of high-powered ex-FAANGers with decades of industry-leading experience, in a race to the bottom, as people just try to keep a roof over their heads. That means the pipeline for juniors* trying to break in right now is pretty fucked, and might stay that way for a while :( AI is also having an impact, both in terms of being able to do a lot of our work, and shifting investment towards that instead of web dev.
*I know you're not really a junior, but you might not have as much dedicated frontend experience.
It really sucks, but none of that is within your personal control. All you can do is keep trying and wait it out, seizing opportunities wherever you can. Many of us will probably be underemployed for a while, if not altogether unemployed soon... it's a hard time to be in the industry.
For myself, I was unemployed for half of last year, sending out resume after resume and not hearing back. That's with 10+ years of frontend experience. But I'm also pretty mediocre, lol, so more skilled people could have better luck.
If you want a second pair of eyes on your portfolio, I'd be happy to take a look? I'm not any sort of manager/hiring person, but can at least offer feedback as a peer grunt if that's helpful.